As expected, Alexander Gustafsson (15-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC) is next up for UFC light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones (18-1 MMA, 12-1 UFC), and the fight will take place in the fall.

That’s according to UFC President Dana White, who recently confirmed the long-rumored plans via Twitter.

The booking, which had been put on hold as Jones recovers from a nasty toe injury and ligament damage suffered in his April title defense over Chael Sonnen, doesn’t have a specific date or event yet, though it’s likely to headline a pay-per-view event.

Currently, UFC 165 is slated for Sept. 21 at Toronto’s Air Canada Centre, and the event doesn’t have a headliner. But it may be too soon for Jones, and the fight could take place in October instead.

After winning the title from Mauricio Rua at UFC 128, Jones has successfully defended the belt against Quinton Jackson, Lyoto Machida, Rashad Evans and Vitor Belfort before making quick work of Sonnen, who was stopped with elbows and punches in the first round. Since a disqualification loss to Matt Hamill in 2009, Jones has won nine straight fights with eight stoppages. Only Evans went the distance.

White previously mentioned Jones as a candidate for a cross-division superfight for this year, but for now, any such plans appear to be on hold.

Gustafsson, meanwhile, is on a six-fight win streak since his lone career loss, which came to now-teammate Phil Davis in 2010. He claimed No. 1 contender’s status with recent decision victories over Thiago Silva and ex-champ Rua. Gustafsson was slated to fight Gegard Mousasi in April’s UFC on FUEL TV 9 headliner but wasn’t medically cleared due to facial a cut. The Jones title fight would be the Swede’s first bout of 2013.

For the latest on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

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